We recently connected with Garrett Gallego and have shared our conversation below.
Garrett, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
By doing creative things! I write, I make little short films, I do photography, I truly believe that the most difficult thing about being an actor/performer is that you’re constantly waiting around, asking for permission. Other artistic mediums are lucky in the sense that they don’t really require “permission”, a painter can paint at home, a writer can write for as long as they want every day, and a musician can practice long into the night. Actors are constantly putting themselves out there and being told “no”. Which is why I think it’s imperative to keep your creative spirit alive and stimulated by pursuing other creative outlets, and they all feed into that artistic muscle we have which needs to be worked out every day to stay strong.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m primarily an actor, I graduated with my BFA back in 2021 from the California Institute of the Arts. However, upon entering the real world I was fully aware of the fact that as far as auditions went, it was going to be a long journey. It’s day by day, brick by brick, you can’t expect everything to fall into place within a year. So, I started writing in my spare time. I started writing short plays, short films, pilots, features, anything and everything. Then, I became obsessed with an old hobby: photography. Which then evolved into a deep fascination and passion for filmmaking in general. I bought a Sony camera and just started shooting stuff no matter how small, I learned how to edit and color grade. I actually recently wrapped my fifth short film! So, I try to do a bit of everything, I’m just having fun with it.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I’ve always likened being in the arts/entertainment industry to being a boxer. Now, I know there are certainly no literal comparisons between pugilism and acting, however in terms of what it takes to succeed I believe that both require stamina, persistence, and dedication. You need the stamina of a fighter because It’s a rough business to be in emotionally and mentally, it can certainly take a toll and the people who often leave it, do so because they just can’t take the rejection anymore, they’re sick and tired of being told no, being knocked down. Persistence is also key, you just can’t listen to the negative influences in your life, you just have to have a steel determination within you. And dedication, to be doing this work, you have to truly love it, the folks who enter this business simply for clout or recognition are the ones who are in it for all the wrong reasons. Being committed to doing the best work you can, growing as an artist, and being grateful for all the things that come your way are a big part of it. So, I always implore people to do this for themselves. Don’t do it for anyone else. If you get an audition, have fun with it. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get a callback, there will be more auditions and at some point, you’re going to be right for the role. Having faith in your artistic abilities is paramount, because if you don’t believe in yourself, how will others?
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I go to the movies. That’s my ultimate escape. I can rewatch old movies, I can go watch a new one at a theater. But film is probably the most comforting thing I have in life. My top three films for when I’m feeling a bit down or maybe discouraged are Singing in the Rain, Casablanca, and Little Shop of Horrors. Absolute feel-good movies right there. But as for advice or “strategies”, I would just say go to what you love. Something that can take you out of the moment, suspend reality for just a little while, so you can recuperate and focus on being happy, whatever that might be for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.garrettgallego.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettgallego_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLyin2d3Rbxe8bnwg8QK9g
